Home remedies have been used for thousands of years. Herbs and oils used to be the only medicine available, and now those same remedies are making a big come back into many households. Why you ask? Because some of them aren’t just the stories of old wives tales. They really work.

Oregano is one of those herbs that happens to do the trick. This little herb is full of minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins E, A, and C. Oregano is also full of fatty acids and volatile oils that makes oregano a potent diuretic that has anti-fungal, anti-malaria, and carminative properties.

So how do those things benefit us? Oregano has the ability to inhibit the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. This means it can reduce the germs that cause all sorts of illnesses such as sinus infections and strep throat. The potent herb has also been found in studies to improve cancer indicators, kill some cancer cells, and reduce the growth of colon cancer according to the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacy.

Oregano can also do things like boost appetite, relieve menstrual cramps, treat urinary and constipation issues, help regulate body weight, ease fatigue and heartburn, relieve headache and back pain, soothe asthma symptoms, kill internal parasites, and improve heart function.

With so many benefits to oregano, it might be something to consider adding to your diet. Of course you can add it to many traditional Italian meals while cooking. It is also a great addition to many meat and veggies dishes such as zucchini, cauliflower, and broccoli. It pairs well with other herbs and flavors such as garlic, basil, olive oil, onion, and parsley.

For added benefit it can be made into a tasty tea. Simply pour two glasses of steaming hot water over one-half or one tablespoon of fresh, well-chopped oregano leaves. If you prefer dried leaves, use one tablespoon. Let the herb steep for ten minutes, then enjoy your glass of hot oregano tea to reap the benefits of this potent, healing herb.